Tips for Reducing Cosmetic Surgery Scars

Follow these helpful tips to ensure your scars heal as quickly as possible.For many people, the whole point of cosmetic surgery is to enhance their body while still maintaining a natural look. Telltale scars kind of defeat the point. Fortunately, you can take steps to support your body’s natural ability to heal following cosmetic surgery, and help ensure that the scars resulting from any incisions fade as quickly and completely as possible.

Follow Post-Op Instructions

The single most important thing you can do to help reduce the appearance of scars following a cosmetic procedure is to follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care and recovery. Keeping the incision site clean will help reduce the risk of infection and speed healing. Be sure to avoid strenuous activity for the complete length of time recommended by your doctor to avoid stressing the healing wound. Stressing the wound can pull healing tissues apart, delaying healing and increasing the size of the scar.

Try Silicone Gels & Sheets

Studies have shown that applying silicone gels or sheets to wounds that have fully closed can help reduce scarring by forming a protective barrier that increases hydration, pressure, and oxygen in the area of the scar. Be sure to only use FDA-approved silicone products that have been recommended by your doctor.

Use Massage

Once your body has healed sufficiently to tolerate the pressure of a massage, you can visit a licensed massage therapist for a treatment. Many physicians are now recommending massage as a means of helping to reduce the appearance of scars and also help even out any lumpy areas that may remain after the healing process.

Drink Water

Dehydration stresses the body and can interfere with healing by taking moisture from the skin. Following your surgery, be sure to drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which can dehydrate the body.

Eat Protein

Because protein makes up the building blocks of healing skin, it is important to eat a balanced diet following your surgery–including sufficient protein–if you want your scar to fade quickly.

Avoid Nicotine

Smoking regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes following a cosmetic procedure can interfere with the healing process and result in more noticeable scars. This happens because nicotine constricts blood vessels, so that the cells around your wound don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to heal quickly and properly.

Avoid Sun Exposure

One final tip that will help minimize the appearance of scars following cosmetic surgery is to avoid exposing your delicate healing skin to the sun. This will prevent UV rays from harming the new skin and causing increased scar tissue formation.